Kenya entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Polish passport holders need a visa to enter Kenya. You can apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before your trip — it's a straightforward process that usually takes a few days. Plan ahead and have your documents ready, and you'll be through immigration in no time.
Apply for Kenya eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization — replaced visa on arrival in 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | You need a Kenyan eVisa before you fly. Apply at the official eTA portal (etakenya.go.ke) — the process takes about 15 minutes and costs around $30 USD. Most applications are approved within 3 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Kenya. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready — they check this before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Kenya. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having a booking confirmation speeds things up at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, they want to see at least $500 USD equivalent for a short trip. | Recommended |
eTA is not a visa — but it's mandatory
Kenya's eTA is an electronic travel authorization, not a visa sticker. It's linked to your passport and allows you to enter for tourism or business. Apply online before you fly — no walk-in option at the airport.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Kenya, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for eTA online
Go to eTA Kenya website, fill in your personal and travel details, upload your passport scan and a recent photo. Pay the fee (around $30 USD) and submit. Processing takes 2–5 business days — apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: your approved eTA, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them together in a folder or a notes app.
3
Arrive at JKIA (Nairobi) or Moi International (Mombasa)
At the airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visitors'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, eTA, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — you're usually allowed up to 90 days per visit.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to enter Kenya.
Download Kenya Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$51 USD
Standard option for tourism; apply online before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$101 USD
Ideal for multiple visits; allows re-entry within validity.
Long-Stay Visa (Business/Work)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500 USD)
Requires employer sponsorship and work permit; not for tourism.
work visa
Work Permit (Class D)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 KES) per year
For those with a job offer in Kenya. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows legal work and residence.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Class I)
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 130,000 KES) per year
For individuals investing at least $100,000 USD in Kenya. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants long-term residence.
student visa
Student Pass
Duration of studies, renewable
~$150 USD (approx. 19,500 KES) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Kenyan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. | $50 USD (approx. 6,500 KES) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 12-month period, each stay up to 90 days. | $100 USD (approx. 13,000 KES) |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond visa validity. No maximum cap specified. | $20 USD per day (approx. 2,600 KES) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Kenya
No transit visa needed
Poland passport holders transiting through Kenya do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Kenyan visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
- Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules.
Transit hubsJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) · Moi International Airport (MBA)
Health & vaccines for Kenya
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in lowland areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
CholeraLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk increases during floods or in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in most regions, including Nairobi and coastal areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nairobi
Department of Immigration Services (Headquarters)
Nyayo House, Kenyatta Avenue, Nairobi
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; arrive early to avoid long queues.
Mombasa
Mombasa Immigration Office
Mombasa Immigration Office, Mombasa
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
Handles extensions for coastal region; bring passport and visa copy.
Practical information for PL travellers
Country basics
CapitalNairobi
LanguageSwahili, English
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 90 days with IDP.
Money
CurrencyKenyan Shilling (KES)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 129.25 KES
Time zone
Local timeUTC+3
vs New York+8h (EST) / +7h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+11h (PST) / +10h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage240V / 50Hz
Plug types
GType G (UK-style) — US plugs do not fit. Bring a UK/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Kenya
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Kenya — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Usually 2–5 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks during peak season. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The eTA fee is around $30 USD (about 120 PLN). You pay online by credit card during the application.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration in Nairobi or Mombasa. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can give you up to 90 more days. Apply before your current visa expires.
Kenya requires a yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Poland is not a risk country, so you don't need it if you're flying directly from Poland. But if you've recently been to a risk country, bring your vaccination certificate.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the eTA.
No, Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival for most nationalities. You must have an approved eTA before you travel.
You can reapply with corrected information or contact the eTA support team. If denied again, you may need to apply for a traditional visa at the Kenyan embassy in Warsaw. Allow extra time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.